Articles
The Language We Use
As God warns us, “what goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them” (Matthew 15:11). Most of the time we think this verse is talking about the obvious answers, the plethora of hurtful words and phrases we can use. This verse also covers the way society and we as Christians can misuse Biblical language unintentionally or intentionally use it as slang.
Biblical language and religious words have become a natural part of our everyday speech. Common words and phrases we may hear are: “Oh My God, Jesus Christ, that’s Bible, vowing on Jesus’ name, etc.”. All of these and the words we encounter in our daily lives are not showing the respect that Christ and God deserve. Taking the Lord’s name in vain is one of the ten commandments given to the Hebrews and we still must follow this statute if we want to obey and abide with Christ. It is not a coincidence that the tongue is warned about many times throughout the Bible. The phrase “think before you speak” should be treated in higher regard than we often give it.
When using Biblical language, we also need to think of our intended context when we are communicating with others. Common in churches right now is saying that Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with God. The religion of Christianity is the relationship with God. God tells us in the Bible the way we can have a relationship with him, so we must make sure that our doctrine comes directly from the Bible and is not our interpretation of it. This is the only way we can become true Christians and followers of Christ. We must make sure we are obedient in accordance with what the Bible teaches. Thus, when we use the word Christian, we must make sure we are talking about ourselves in relation to Christ.
The word Christian is used in the Bible as a noun, referring to the people who are obedient to Christ. It is not an adjective that describes them or something in life, it is them, just as it should be us. When mentioning the word church, are we thinking of only the physical place? The Bible teaches us that it is not about a place, but a church is God fearing people coming together to obey Him. And when we say, “you are in my thoughts and prayers” do we take that to heart and pray?
Before we speak, we must think of God and how He wants us to use the words we speak. Next, we need to think of how to say what we mean. Lastly, we must consider if we mean them in our hearts, and then we can speak.
Inspired by: Matt. 15:11, Rom. 12:1-2, John 4:24, James 1:26-27, Col. 2:20-23, Acts 9:11, Romans 16:16, 1 Cor. 14:19, Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16
